To ensure your visitors’ needs are met, it’s important to have a website that is visually appealing and easy to understand. By following a few basic web design principles, you can help your visitors reach their goal, whether it’s signing up for a membership or buying your product.
In this post, we’re going to cover seven web design principles that impact the user experience.
1. Color
The colors used on your site are for more than looking pretty. They can elicit certain emotions, improve readability and draw attention to certain elements. Start by picking a primary color that matches your products or services. Next, choose additional colors that will complement your primary color. Lastly, choose a background and typeface color.
2. Graphics
Visuals help support your content and are especially helpful for visual learners. When using graphics, be sure to optimize your images and videos and avoid placing large images above-the-fold. This part of your design should be simple and fast loading.
3. White Space
White space is empty space that gives visitors room to breathe. This makes it easier to focus on your content and improve comprehension. You can also use white space to draw attention to the most important elements on your page. This way, visitors can focus on the right aspects of your site instead of feeling overwhelmed with information.
4. Typography
Typography refers to the fonts and sizes of your website’s text. Good typography ensures users can easily read your information. We recommend choosing a 16px body size, though 12px may work (do not go smaller than this). Also pick simple, legible fonts because they have good readability.
5. Balance
Balancing your elements makes your website look pleasing and enjoyable. Symmetric balance has nearly identical looking ‘halves.’ This means the left and right halves of the page look the same. Asymmetric balance has unequal halves but is still balanced.
6. Consistency
Consistency provides visitors with a seamless experience by maintaining the same style or design throughout your site. When users navigate your site, they should feel like they’re on the same journey. Consistency makes this possible. Otherwise, the experience is less fluid.
7. Grids
Most websites are based on a grid system that splits each page into columns or rows. Grids ensure that all information is placed in the appropriate spots for a clean and balanced look. With proper grid placement, it’s also easier to add white space and images.
These seven web design principles will help you design an effective and user-friendly website for your audience. To discuss your upcoming web design project, contact WSI Internet Partners today.
